how to turn off age protected on tiktok
TikTok has taken the world by storm with its short-form video format and millions of users. It has become a platform for creativity, entertainment, and self-expression. However, like any other social media app, TikTok also has its share of concerns, especially when it comes to protecting minors from inappropriate content. To address this, TikTok has implemented an “age protection” feature that restricts certain videos from being viewed by users below a certain age. While this feature aims to keep children safe, some users may find it limiting and want to turn it off. In this article, we will discuss how to turn off age protection on TikTok and explore the reasons why some users may want to do so.
What is Age Protection on TikTok?
Age protection is a feature on TikTok that restricts content that is not suitable for users below a certain age. When a user sets up a TikTok account, they are required to input their age. Based on the age provided, TikTok will automatically filter out videos that are deemed inappropriate for that age group. This feature is intended to protect minors from exposure to explicit and mature content on the platform.
Why Would Someone Want to Turn Off Age Protection on TikTok?
While the age protection feature on TikTok is meant to protect minors, some users may find it limiting and may want to turn it off. Here are some of the reasons why someone would want to disable age protection on TikTok:
1. Inaccurate Age Input: When setting up a TikTok account, users are required to input their age. However, some may enter an incorrect age, either by mistake or intentionally. This can result in age protection being enabled even for users who are above the age limit for restricted content.
2. Limited Content: Age protection on TikTok limits the type of content that users can access. This can be frustrating for older users who want to explore a wider range of content on the platform.
3. Blocked Hashtags: With age protection enabled, some hashtags may be blocked, making it difficult for users to discover new content or participate in trending challenges.
4. Creative Freedom: TikTok is a platform that encourages creativity and self-expression. The age protection feature may hinder this for users who are above the age limit but are still restricted from viewing certain videos.
5. Privacy Concerns: Some users may not want to disclose their age on the app for privacy reasons. By turning off age protection, they can prevent their age from being visible to other users.
How to Turn Off Age Protection on TikTok?
If you have valid reasons to turn off age protection on TikTok, here are the steps you can follow to do so:
1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile by tapping on the “Me” icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines at the top right corner of the screen to open the menu.
3. Scroll down and tap on “Digital Wellbeing” under the “General” section.
4. Toggle off the “Restricted Mode” option under the “Content and Activity” section.
5. You will be prompted to enter a four-digit passcode. If you have never set up a passcode, you will be asked to create one.
6. Once the passcode is set, you will be able to toggle off the “Restricted Mode” option.
7. You will be asked to enter your passcode again to confirm the action.
8. Once confirmed, the age protection feature will be turned off, and you will now have access to all types of content on TikTok.
Tips for Parents to Keep Their Children Safe on TikTok
While age protection on TikTok may not be the perfect solution, it does provide some level of safety for minors. As a parent, it is essential to take additional measures to ensure your child’s safety on the app. Here are some tips to help you keep your children safe on TikTok:
1. Enable Family Pairing: TikTok has a feature called “Family Pairing” that allows parents to link their account to their child’s account. This allows parents to control the content their child can view and also set screen time limits.
2. Set a Passcode: As mentioned earlier, a passcode can be set to toggle off restricted mode on TikTok. If your child knows the passcode, they can easily turn off age protection. Make sure to set a passcode that your child does not know to prevent them from accessing inappropriate content.
3. Review Your Child’s Settings: Regularly review your child’s account settings to ensure that they are age-appropriate and in line with your family’s values.
4. Talk to Your Child: The most important thing you can do as a parent is to have open and honest communication with your child. Talk to them about the potential risks of using social media and educate them on how to stay safe online.
Conclusion
TikTok’s age protection feature is a step towards ensuring the safety of minors on the app. However, it may not be suitable for all users, especially older ones who want to have access to a wider range of content. By following the steps mentioned in this article, users can easily turn off age protection on TikTok. As a parent, it is essential to have open communication with your child and take additional measures to ensure their safety on the app. With responsible use and proper safety measures in place, TikTok can be a fun and creative platform for users of all ages.
how to block sites on iphone
The iPhone is a powerful and versatile device that has become an integral part of our daily lives. From communication to entertainment, it offers a wide range of features that make our lives easier and more convenient. However, with the rise of the internet, the iPhone has also become a gateway to a vast world of information, including websites that may not be suitable for everyone. In this article, we will discuss how to block sites on iPhone and the various methods you can use to ensure a safe and secure browsing experience.
Before we dive into the details of blocking sites on your iPhone, it is important to understand the reasons why you may want to do so. The most common reason is to protect yourself or your children from accessing inappropriate or harmful content. This could include adult websites, gambling sites, or websites promoting hate speech or violence. Another reason is to limit distractions and increase productivity by blocking social media or other time-wasting websites. Whatever your reason may be, the iPhone offers several ways to block sites and control your internet usage.
1. Use the Restrictions Feature
The Restrictions feature on the iPhone allows you to control and restrict access to certain apps and features, including websites. This feature is primarily designed for parents to monitor and limit their children’s usage of the device but can be used by anyone to restrict access to specific websites. To enable Restrictions, go to Settings > General > Restrictions, and tap on Enable Restrictions. You will be prompted to set a passcode, which will be required to access the Restrictions settings in the future.
Once Restrictions are enabled, you can go to the Websites section and choose to limit access to specific websites or allow access only to specific websites. This is a useful method to block websites on your iPhone, but it may not be foolproof as the restrictions can be removed by anyone who knows the passcode. Therefore, it is recommended to use this feature if you want to block websites for your children or someone who may not know the passcode.
2. Use the Screen Time Feature
The Screen Time feature was introduced in iOS 12 and allows you to monitor and control your device usage. It provides a detailed breakdown of the time spent on different apps and websites and allows you to set limits for usage. To access Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time, and tap on Turn On Screen Time. You can then choose to set a passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to secure the settings.
Once Screen Time is enabled, you can go to the Content & Privacy Restrictions section and choose to block specific websites or categories of websites. This is a more advanced method compared to Restrictions, as it allows you to set limits for individual websites or categories, such as adult content or social media. You can also schedule Downtime, which will restrict access to all apps and websites during a specific time period, such as bedtime or study hours. This is a great feature for parents who want to ensure their children are not using their iPhones during specific hours.
3. Use a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that offer advanced website blocking features. These apps allow you to block websites based on keywords, categories, or specific URLs. Some apps also offer additional features, such as time limits, usage reports, and website whitelisting. Some popular apps in this category include Freedom, AppBlock, and FocusMe.
While these apps offer more customization and control compared to the built-in features, they may come at a cost. Most of these apps require a subscription or a one-time purchase to unlock all features. Therefore, if you are looking for a free solution, the built-in features may be a better option.
4. Use the Safari Browser Settings
If you are only concerned about blocking websites on the Safari browser, you can do so by using the browser’s built-in settings. To access these settings, open Safari, tap on the Share button, and select Settings for This Website. You can then choose to block cookies, camera and microphone access, and location access for that specific website. You can also choose to block pop-ups and enable Reader View, which removes all ads and distractions from the website.
While this method may not block the website completely, it can limit some of its features and make it less appealing to use. However, keep in mind that this will only work for websites accessed through the Safari browser, and other browsers or apps may still be able to access the blocked website.
5. Use a VPN Service
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. While the primary purpose of a VPN is to protect your online privacy and security, it can also be used to block websites. Some VPNs offer a feature called “blocker,” which allows you to enter specific websites or categories of websites that you want to block. The VPN will then prevent your device from accessing those websites, even if you try to access them through a different browser or app.
However, similar to third-party apps, most VPNs require a subscription or a one-time purchase to access all features. Therefore, if you are only looking to block websites, a VPN may not be the most cost-effective solution.
6. Use the DNS Settings
DNS (Domain Name System) is the technology that translates website names into IP addresses, allowing you to access websites through their domain names. By changing the DNS settings on your iPhone, you can block access to specific websites by redirecting them to a different IP address. To change your DNS settings, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and tap on the (i) icon next to the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. Scroll down and tap on Configure DNS, and select Manual. You can then enter the IP address of a DNS server that blocks the websites you want to block.
While this method can be effective, it requires some technical knowledge, and the DNS server you use may not always be reliable. Therefore, it may not be the best option for novice users.
7. Use Parental Control Apps
If you want to block websites for your children, there are several parental control apps available that offer website blocking features. These apps allow you to monitor and control your child’s internet usage, including blocking access to specific websites. Some popular parental control apps include Qustodio, Net Nanny, and FamilyTime. These apps offer a wide range of features, such as content filtering, time limits, app usage control, and location tracking.
However, keep in mind that these apps are designed for parents to monitor their children’s usage and may not be suitable for adults who want to block websites for themselves.
8. Use Safari Extensions
Safari extensions are small plugins that add extra features and functionality to the Safari browser. There are several extensions available that allow you to block websites based on keywords or categories. Some popular extensions include WasteNoTime, Cold Turkey, and StayFocusd. These extensions are easy to install and can be a useful tool to block websites on your iPhone.
However, similar to third-party apps, most extensions require a subscription or a one-time purchase to access all features. Therefore, if you are looking for a free solution, the built-in features may be a better option.
9. Use the Website’s Settings
Some websites offer their own settings that allow you to block access to their content. For example, YouTube has a Restricted Mode, which filters out potentially mature content. Similarly, social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, allow you to control the content you see in your feed. While this method may not work for all websites, it is worth checking if the website you want to block offers any settings that can help in blocking access to its content.
10. Use the Built-In Restrictions on Apps
Apart from blocking websites, you may also want to restrict access to certain apps on your iPhone. This can be useful for limiting distractions and increasing productivity. To do so, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, and tap on Allowed Apps. You can then choose which apps you want to allow or restrict access to. This is a great feature for parents who want to control their child’s access to specific apps.
In conclusion, the iPhone offers several methods to block sites and control your internet usage. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the method that works best for you. Whether you want to block websites for your children, limit distractions, or protect your online privacy, there is a solution available on the iPhone to help you achieve your goal. By using these methods, you can ensure a safe and secure browsing experience on your iPhone and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.